Six months down the line, customer response has been positive to the acquisition of Encad by Kodak. That is according to Encad Inc area sales manager for Greece, Turkey and Africa, Yiannis Limperopoulos. On his first visit to South Africa since the official announcement of the acquisition on 1 April 2002, Limperopoulos says, "We have seen a very successful six months."

Encad, one of the world's largest sellers of wide-format digital printers and inkjet products, became a Kodak Company when the acquisition was finalised on 23 January 2002, forming Encad, - a Kodak company. The new entity is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Kodak that focuses on the wide-format inkjet printing industry.

Limperopoulos adds, "Benefits of this new entity to the customer include a single identity, worldwide support, and the backing of a big corporation. The customer feels secure in the knowledge that this is a strong brand."

He emphasises the focus that Encad places on providing the user with a total solution, which includes inks, hardware and software, including profiles for the wide range of Encad media that is also available. "Our research and development team in the United States is concentrating on coming up with new products and media. Encad is investing heavily in new and better products to meet customer demand."

For more information contact First Graphics, 011 799 3800, fgraphic@firstgraphics.co.za